A second member of the Fairfax County School Board is angling for a spot on the county’s Board of Supervisors if James Walkinshaw is elected to Congress.
Rachna Sizemore Heizer, who has served on the school board since 2019, announced her campaign for Braddock District supervisor today (Monday), despite no guarantee that an election for the seat is forthcoming.
“From delivering critical resources to our schools to standing up to attacks from MAGA extremists in Richmond and Washington, I’ve led with compassion and courage,” Sizemore Heizer said. “Now, I’m ready to bring that same leadership to the Board of Supervisors.”
Sizemore Heizer, a Burke resident, joins Ilryong Moon — an at-large member of the board — as the only two candidates who have entered the yet-to-be-scheduled race. Both are Democrats.
Sizemore Heizer was first elected to the Fairfax County School Board as an at-large member but shifted to representing the Braddock District in 2023. She has served in a variety of roles during her tenure, including most recently as chair of the budget committee.
During the 2022-2023 academic year, Sizemore Heizer was chosen to chair the school board. She spent the previous year serving as vice chair under then-chair Stella Pekarsky, who now serves in the Virginia Senate.
Sizemore Heizer’s priorities include improving Fairfax County’s affordability, strengthening public schools and diversifying the county’s economy, according to her campaign launch video.
“Braddock is where I built my life — where I raised my kids, fought for all families to have a seat at the table, grew my business, and dedicated myself to public service,” Sizemore Heizer said. “I know this community, and I know how to get results.”
Walkinshaw currently represents Braddock District on the county board, but would promptly vacate his position if he wins September’s special Congressional election, where he’s vying against Republican Stewart Whitson to succeed the late Rep. Gerry Connolly.
Given the 11th District’s strong Democratic lean, Walkinshaw is heavily favored to win the Sept. 9 special election, suggesting his days on the county board are numbered.
Under Virginia law, the remaining county board members would have 45 days to make a temporary appointment to replace Walkinshaw if he leaves the board. A special election to fill the remainder of the term, which expires in 2027, could be scheduled for as early as Nov. 4 — the date when voters are already set to determine Virginia’s next statewide leaders and House of Delegates.
It is unclear if the remaining board members would consider appointing one of the candidates seeking election to Walkinshaw’s seat, should it become available.
